Wentworth Woodhouse to convert bachelor wing 'Bedlam' known for its 19th-century high-jinks into offices

The corridors and rooms reserved for unmarried male guests of the Fitzwilliam family were nicknamed ‘Bedlam’ because of their reputation for ribaldry and high-jinks during the heyday of the Georgian and Victorian country house weekend.

Yet the bachelor wing in the East Front was one of the most dilapidated areas of the house when the Wentworth Woodhouse Preservation Trust took over the house near Rotherham in 2017, with serious roof leaks and other structural issues.

The 23 rooms over three floors had rotten timbers, blocked drains and ceilings had been destroyed by rainwater pouring in through football-sized holes.

When emergency repairs began, Bedlam was given priority, and after 15 months of ‘drying out’ the wing is now ready for conversion into rented office space.

The Trust is seeking a range of business tenants, from national headquarters to local artisans, and rental income will be used to fund further restoration elsewhere on the estate.

Despite the tranquil parkland setting, Wentworth Woodhouse is only a short drive from the M1, M18 and A1.

The suites were nicknamed ‘Bedlam’ after the famous lunatic asylum in London.

Trust historian David Allott said: “The fact that the name was adopted at Wentworth Woodhouse gives an insight into the high jinks which happened in that wing.

“In Georgian and Victorian times young gentlemen of the house slept there, as did visiting bachelor guests and their male servants. The rooms would have been well-furnished, comfortable - and a safe distance from those occupied by single women.”

Ironically, by 1950 there were no men at all allowed in the sleeping quarters – as the rooms were turned into dormitories for the Lady Mabel College of Physical Education, which trained female PE teachers and was run more like a girls’ boarding school despite the students being over the age of 18. The college closed in 1977.

The Trust must now apply for planning permission from Rotherham Council for a change of use to commercial premises and a market appraisal is being carried out.